Xavi Simons might just be who Tottenham Hotspur need to elevate their level under Thomas Frank
Tottenham have endured a rollercoaster of a summer to say the least. The lack of movement in recent weeks was a worrying sign for the fans as we approached the business-end of the transfer window. The lack of depth in the #10 position and on the left-flank meant that the Lilywhites faced the prospect of heading into the season without any quality up front.
The backlash Levy received after Eberechi Eze snubbed Spurs to join rivals Arsenal did not help the cause either. However, the North London club has managed to dig itself out from a hole by agreeing a deal to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons. The Netherlands international was on the cusp of signing for Chelsea, after agreeing personal terms with the Blues. But the deal stalled for one reason or another, giving Daniel Levy to swoop in and lure him to N17.
It is fair to say that missing out on Eze might just turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Tottenham. Signing a player of Simons’ calibre means that the Lilywhites have enough cover for the #10 role, as well as, the left-flank. And the ex-PSG star also has immense potential that still needs to be fulfilled. But there are still questions about where the 22-year-old will feature under Thomas Frank?
Will we see Xavi Simons out wide or in the #10 role at Tottenham?
Firstly, it is important to note that Thomas Frank is known for his tactical flexibility. And that is something that the Tottenham fans have already seen in the first few games of the season. The Danish tactician set up his team in a 5-3-2 formation against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final in the first game of the new campaign. But the ex-Brentford boss later switched his setup to a traditional 4-3-3 formation for the first two Premier League games of the season.
So, there is a possibility that Xavi Simons will either be used to operate as a traditional left-winger in a 4-3-3, or as an advanced midfielder in the 5-3-2 formation. The Netherlands international is more used to the former, as he likes to play as an inverted forward and link-up with the striker more often than not.
Thomas Frank likes his wingers to cut inside and get closer to the goal at all times. Not only that, but the Danish tactician also relies on his wingers to put in the hard yards and win the ball back higher up the pitch by counter-pressing. This is something that Simons thrives at, and he used to do it brilliantly while playing for RB Leipzig last season.
How was Xavi Simons utilised at RB Leipzig last season?
RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose was known for sticking to the traditional 4-4-2 formation, or the marginally modified 4-2-2-2 formations, with the wingers being utilised as makeshift attacking midfielders. And Xavi Simons featured as a left-sided attacking midfielder more often than not, playing just behind the strikers to link-up play.
It is also important to note that the Netherlands international was utilised on the left-side of the pitch for most parts of the season, and that is where he caused a lot of havoc. However, his versatility helped Marco Rose in setting up the team as Simons could also feature as a #10, or on the right-flank.
This is where Thomas Frank must also look to take notes as the 22-year-old is comfortable operating on both sides of the pitch. The only problem of playing Xavi Simons on the right-flank would be that the attacker will not be able to make the same impact he does while playing on the left. The Dutchman struggles with his weakest foot at times, making him an unreliable option on the right.